Woods pulls out of Bay Hill because of back pain

Golfer Tiger Woods has pulled out of the Arnold Palmer Invitational because of persistent back pains. Woods said on his website Tuesday he called Palmer to say he won’t be able to play. Woods is the defending champion at Bay Hill and an eight-time winner. The Masters, which is …

Golfer Tiger Woods has pulled out of the Arnold Palmer Invitational because of persistent back pains. Woods said on his website Tuesday he called Palmer to say he won’t be able to play. Woods is the defending champion at Bay Hill and an eight-time winner. The Masters, which is April 10-13, is the only major Woods has never missed. “It’s too early to know about the Masters, and I will continue to work closely with my doctors,” Woods said. Woods withdrew from the Honda Classic in the final round three weeks ago. He played the following week at Doral and said he felt back spasms during the final round on his way to a 78, the highest score he has shot in a final round. – AP